MAN & MACHINE
Name: Graham May Scooter club: North & Central Manchester SC. How did you become interested in scooters: My oldest brother was the ace face back in the 60s in Moston and there were always scooters at our house, then after watching Quadrophenia. What was your first scooter: Li150 Series 3 back in ’80/’81. What is your favourite scooter model: Series 2 TV175. First rally or event: Keswick ’82. How did you get there: On the back of a mate’s scooter. Any stories: Yes, getting chased out of Keswick by fork brandishing locals and the boys in blue! Favourite & worst rally/event: Favourite is deffo Mersea Island, the location is fantastic. Worst, Llandudno; it should have been kept at Tenby which is a great location. What do you like about rallies: Camping, chilling out, listening to music, bands and wandering about looking at the scooters. What do you dislike about rallies: The politics and snobbery, the constant going on about how you get there totally bores me to death. As long as you’re into the scene, the music, scooters and you pay your money to get in then you are supporting the event – end of!
Name of scooter and reason: Your Confusion My Illusion, mostly the scooter is, “Your Confusion” but it’s “My Illusion” from the words from my all-time favourite song, Atmosphere by my favourite band, Joy Division. Scooter model: The frame is an Italian 1961 Series 2 Li125. The engine is from my 1967 Li125 which I had lying about in my garage after fitting a 225 Rapido in it. Engine spec: Kit: RB200. Crank: AF race crank. Carb: 35mm TMX Mikuni Clutch: 5-plate with Mallossi springs (will change to cassette asap) Gearbox: Li150. Exhaust: JL Race, Taylor end-can. Describe engine performance, power delivery and scooter handling: The only word for an RB is awesome and the delivery is great once it’s wound up. The handling very good with fitted AF rims and BGM dampers. Hardest part of the build: Self doubt. Is there anyone you wish to thank: Yes, my good mates Ashy & Wilf, Kris Green, Phil Appleyard, Steve Booth for putting right my engine build, and Dave Swift for listening to my moaning.